Chattanooga Choo Choo was released by Glenn Miller in the Spring of 1941. It became the first song to be certified a "Gold Record" on February 10th of 1942. Pictured above is Glenn receiving the award from executives from the RCA label. A song is certified Gold when sales exceed the one million mark.
The song was originally featured in the 1941 movie Sun Valley Serenade. The movie soundtrack contains many other Glenn Miller songs as well. (I just watched that movie recently, check it out! Quite entertaining.)
The song describes the train route from New York City to Chattanooga, Tennessee including places like Baltimore and North Carolina. The beginning of the song is famous for sounding like a train rolling out of the station, complete with the trumpets and trombones imitating a train whistle.
Watch: Video of Glenn Miller performing Chattanooga Choo Choo.
The video above features an extended version of Chattanooga Choo Choo that was included in the movie "Sun Valley Serenade".
You can hear live and studio recordings of Glenn Miller performing Chattanooga Choo Choo right here on Swing City Radio.
Swing City Radio: Playing Your Big Band and Swing Music Favorites from the 1930's, 40's and Today! - Big Band Radio Station Broadcasting Online from King of Prussia, PA.
